Engineer regiment welcomes new officer

Monday

Jun 17, 2013 at 10:45 AMJun 17, 2013 at 12:39 PM

Command Sgt. Maj. Butler Kendrick Jr. became the U.S. Army Engineer School's 17th regimental command sergeant major Thursday during a change-of-responsibility ceremony held on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) Plaza at Fort Leonard Wood.

Marti Yoshida

Command Sgt. Maj. Butler Kendrick Jr. became the U.S. Army Engineer School's 17th regimental command sergeant major Thursday during a change-of-responsibility ceremony held on the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) Plaza at Fort Leonard Wood.

DeLuca said this was an exciting day because it allows the regiment to recognize Murphy for being a tremendous force for reform and innovation in the Army. It also opens a new chapter with Kendrick, who brings the right set of experience to shape the culture of leadership for future generations within the regiment and Army, DeLuca said.

Murphy, who is now the MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood command sergeant major, acknowledged those who preceded him in service to country because their actions contributed to his success. He said everyone wants to be able to leave their legacy behind.

Murphy said one of the things he is glad to have contributed in his most recent position is a focus on the importance of education, especially for younger generations, so that they will be prepared to leave their own legacy when the time comes.

Kendrick addressed the regiment by saying that there will be a lot of work ahead, especially in an unpredictable world, which will require engineers to depend on the fundamentals that guarantee order, discipline, resilience and mission readiness.

He said he hopes to continue to walk in the path of excellence as Murphy has done.Kendrick joins Fort Leonard Wood from Fort Bragg, N.C., where he served as the 2nd Brigade Combat Team's command sergeant major.